Zinc News and Research

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Zinc is an essential mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Zinc is also found in many cold lozenges and some over-the-counter drugs sold as cold remedies.

Researchers isolate intact tumor microRNAs using antibody-conjugated nanowires

A research team in Japan has developed an efficient and minimally invasive cancer detection device that uses high-performance zinc oxide nanowires to selectively capture extracellular vesicles (EVs) from bodily fluids.

11 Jun 2026

Scientists reveal how cGAS-STING fuels brain inflammation and neurodegeneration

The cGAS-STING pathway is emerging as a key driver of chronic neuroinflammation through its effects on glial activation, neuronal stress, blood-brain barrier integrity, and type I interferon signaling. The review highlights why selective, context-dependent modulation of cGAS-STING could help treat neurodegenerative diseases, while preserving its essential roles in antiviral defense and tumor surveillance.

10 Jun 2026

Expert review examines widely-held beliefs about dietary protein needs and benefits

A newly published peer-reviewed paper in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition synthesizes findings from a February 2025 scientific workshop.

8 Jun 2026

CDC report reveals what 24 years of nutrition biomarkers say about America’s health

The 2026 CDC Nutrition Report will make nearly 24 years of NHANES biomarker data easier to use, covering up to 131 nutritional biomarkers in the US population aged 1 year and older. By standardizing blood and urine biomarker trends, demographic patterns, and comparisons of supplement use, the report aims to support nutrition policy, clinical reference intervals, and public health monitoring.

24 May 2026

Higher ferritin threshold could detect childhood iron deficiency much earlier

Many cases of iron deficiency in school-aged children could be diagnosed earlier, according to a new study published in Blood Red Cells & Iron, a journal of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

20 May 2026

Two proteins help maintain stem cells by preventing differentiation

Researchers from The University of Osaka find that the zinc finger proteins RLF and ZFP292 assist in stabilizing the CoREST corepressor complex at gene promoters in embryonic stem cells, preventing differentiation.

12 May 2026

Baby teeth show when metal exposure may affect brain development

The study identifies critical windows of metal exposure via baby teeth, revealing impacts on brain development and behavior in children and adolescents.

30 Apr 2026

Baby teeth reveal early metal exposure effects on brain

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai report that early-life exposure to common environmental metals may influence brain development and behavioral health more than a decade later.

25 Apr 2026

Can processed meats fit into a healthy diet?

This perspective-style review argues that processed meats remain valuable sources of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and bioavailable micronutrients despite concerns about sodium, fat, and chronic disease links. It also contends that much of the evidence tying processed meat to adverse health outcomes is observational and potentially confounded, while emphasizing the role of processing in safety, shelf life, and food security.

15 Apr 2026

EV-RNAs show promise for IBD diagnosis and treatment

A research team led by Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, has published a comprehensive review in ExRNA that sorts out the diverse roles of extracellular vesicle-associated RNAs (EV-RNAs) in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

10 Apr 2026

Non-clinical safety assessment crucial for CRISPR-based gene therapies

The rapid evolution of CRISPR/Cas genome editing has redefined the possibilities of cellular and gene therapy, enabling precise correction, disruption, and regulation of disease-associated genes.

10 Apr 2026

When omega-3 may help mental health and when they may not

Investigating omega-3 fatty acids, this review highlights their impact on mental health, inflammation, and the potential for therapeutic use in disorders.

10 Apr 2026

Can diet influence thyroid disease? A major review points to Mediterranean-style eating

This review found that thyroid health depends on more than iodine alone, with selenium, iron, zinc, vitamins, omega-3s, and overall eating patterns all shaping thyroid function and autoimmunity. It also concluded that Mediterranean-style diets are linked to more favorable thyroid outcomes, while unnecessary restrictive diets offer little benefit without a clear medical indication.

7 Apr 2026

Pediatric experts say plain yogurt is safe from 6 months and belongs in a baby’s diet

An expert panel review says plain, whole yogurt with no added sugar or sweeteners can be introduced from 6 months as part of complementary feeding, provided it does not replace breast milk or infant formula as the main source of nutrition. It also explains that yogurt provides live microorganisms and key nutrients, is generally well tolerated, and helps address common myths about inflammation, mucus, acne, sugar, and safety.

2 Apr 2026

Benefits from food fortification, yet global nutrient gaps persist

While food fortification reduces micronutrient inadequacies, additional interventions are necessary to ensure balanced nutrition and prevent excess intake.

30 Mar 2026

Can eating almonds reduce inflammation in obesity?

Adding almonds to the diet of adults with obesity enhances inflammatory cytokine profiles and diet quality, highlighting a simple anti-inflammatory strategy.

12 Mar 2026

Why measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases worldwide

This review synthesizes current evidence on measles virus biology, immune responses, complications, treatments, and prevention strategies. It highlights how measles can suppress immune memory, increasing susceptibility to other infections, and underscores vaccination as the most effective control measure.

4 Mar 2026

Experts identify safest and most effective diets for IBS management

This review in Nutrients evaluates the scientific evidence, clinical effectiveness, and safety of major dietary strategies for irritable bowel syndrome, including traditional advice, low-FODMAP, gluten-free, Mediterranean, and starch- and sucrose-reduced diets. It concludes that while the low-FODMAP diet has the strongest short-term evidence, no single approach fits all patients, and dietitian-led personalization is essential.

2 Mar 2026

How zinc deficiency could worsen heart inflammation and what that means for patients

This review examines how zinc regulates inflammatory and redox signaling pathways involved in myocarditis and pericarditis, highlighting mechanisms such as NF-κB inhibition and the redox zinc switch. The authors conclude that maintaining optimal zinc status may support cardiovascular resilience, while emphasizing that clinical translation requires further targeted trials.

1 Mar 2026

Can aquaculture reduce global malnutrition or is nutrient trade widening inequality?

Global aquaculture produces substantial essential nutrients, but international trade patterns often shift these nutrients away from nutritionally vulnerable countries. Modelling suggests alternative trade and fishmeal use strategies could improve micronutrient equity while highlighting important food system trade-offs.

11 Feb 2026